Deborah Bokas, MSW, Director of Social Services at Lourdes’ Osborn Family Health Center, has been selected as the recipient of Lourdes’ prestigious 2015 Sister M. Elizabeth Corry, OSF Award. The annual award is the highest honor bestowed upon a Lourdes Health System employee and is named after the former president of Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, who passed away in February 2015.

Bokas, Director of Social Services at Lourdes’ Osborn Family Health Center, was among 17 employees from throughout the health system nominated by their peers for demonstrating the core value of “Justice.”

Alexander J. Hatala, Lourdes Health System President and CEO, said all of the nominees play an important role in defining the organization and carrying Lourdes’ mission forward. “It’s a great legacy we have, the legacy of service to the community,” said Lourdes President and CEO Alexander J. Hatala. “You humble all of us with the great work that you do.”

“I am fortunate to have worked with colleagues who have helped me during my 31 years here,” said Bokas. “I was lucky to have known Sister Elizabeth Corry and had a career in her shadow and been mentored by all the people she mentored.”

Bokas’ nominations noted her community outreach efforts. She spearheads Osborn’s Reach Out and Read program, backpack, prom gown and pajama drives and the Osborn used-clothing boutique. Nominations also noted her compassionate care.

According to a nomination letter written by her colleague, Osborn Nurse Practitioner Jessica Burns, “The staff at Osborn, and in the hospital, rely on Deb as someone they can turn to in the most difficult situations, knowing she has the ability to handle patient issues with respect and dignity. She works hard to ensure even the patients most in-need have hope and happiness.”

The award is named after Sister M. Elizabeth Corry, OSF, who served as president of Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center from 1969 to 1983 and 1987 to 1995. Under her guidance and leadership, Lourdes initiated many of the services which the medical center is known for today, including cardiology, organ transplantation, acute physical rehabilitation and high-risk maternity care. In 1995, Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center became the only hospital in the tri-state area (New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware) ever to have been given the American Hospital Association’s Foster McGaw award for excellence in community service.